Faulkner trading Force for Rebels

The Rebels are bringing a Melbourne boy home, with Tetera Faulkner signing with the club until the end of 2019.

Faulkner, who was born in New Zealand before moving to Melbourne as a 13-year-old, leaves the Force after seven years with the club - a stint that started as injury cover in 2011.

Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson revealed the signing on Melbourne radio station RSN this morning and was brimming with excitement at the prospect of bringing a Wallaby back to Melbourne.

"Tetera is a quality player and person who will bring experience, consistency and strong values to the Rebels,” Stephenson said.

“It is great to bring a Melbourne player home to represent the Rebels in front of so many family, friends and teammates that he grew up with.”Faulkner's career sprouted as a schoolboy in Melbourne, as he pulled on Australian Schoolboys colours in 2006, an Australian U19s jersey in 2007 and represented the Australian U20s in 2008 prior to joining the Force in 2011.

To return to the city where it all started was an opportunity the 29-year-old couldn't pass up.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continue my rugby career back in Melbourne, a city that I hold dear to me,” Faulkner said.

“After getting my first big break with the Schoolboys in Melbourne, it feels like I’ve come a full circle so I’m excited to return home and contribute to the exciting future of the Melbourne Rebels and Victorian rugby.”

A member of Michael Cheika's Bledisloe Cup squad, Faulkner will make the move to Melbourne in November.